Consider "Group Purchase" Thread?

[Oceanklassik]

Hi,

I was wondering if the forum can create a "Group Purchase/Buy" (however you may want to term it) Thread, for the purpose of allowing forum members, and even the moderators, to organize/arrange bulk purchases of items. A more recent example is found here. I believe the main benefit of buying in a group means better savings.

Tx for reading.

[Oceanklassik]

Or in any case if one wants to buy something from an online retailer, he/she can create a post to make known his/her intentions. This is so that anyone who also wishes to buy items from the same retailer, can do it in one go. Shipping charges can then be shared. And if the purchases are huge, you may be able to bargain for discount from that retailer.

[pegasi]

Hmm...I guess the key consideration would be the frequency of such group purchase lor. Bear in mind whoever organises it would have to take the trouble of co-ordinating the ordering, pre-payment and pick-up of the items etc which I think not many people would want to do unless he is making money from every order.

Just my thinking...

[Oceanklassik]

True but I thought if this benefits everyone, why not?

Previously, I was shopping for a watch strap, and was soon going to order from an online dealer. Thankfully, before I did so, I chatted with with a friend and found out that he, too, wanted to buy two straps from the same dealer. So we did it together, and shared the shipping fee.

The frequency may not be high but the opportunity is there. If a specific 'space' (thread) is created for this, anyone who wishes to make online purchases can start a post to ask for "partnerships" (those interested to buy in a group). For example, now I want to buy a watch strap from 'ABC Strapmaker' and it costs $100, plus $15 shipping fee. So total I will pay $115 if I buy solo. Instead I post my intention, including dateline that I will make the purchase. Even if no one wants to "tompang", I will carry out my purchase. But if there are 4 others who want to buy from the same company, and including me, we will be able to split the shipping fee and each only needs to pay $103, instead of $115.

Yes, the one who organizes such a group purchase may benefit/profit from it but let's leave this to the individuals. If I can save some money from a purchase, and even if it means letting the organizer benefits a little, why not? Using the same example, if I buy alone, I pay $115. If I buy from the person who organizes this, I pay $110. I still save a bit right?

Just sharing some thoughts. Tx.

[seiko.citizen]

Whilst the idea is good, what happens if the deal turns sour. you can bet, abuse will be hurled about in the threads, etc etc.

[feilong108]

erm...abuse ar...wah...how come sound so serious...i m sure here the bros are peace loving de....

[seiko.citizen]

erm...abuse ar...wah...how come sound so serious...i m sure here the bros are peace loving de....

peace loving until someone gets screwed . mark my words; things like this always happen. even sale threads can become a slinging match sometimes.

[feilong108]

hehehe..i get your drift...hehehe....i m pretty lucky so far my sales threads aare pretty peaceful...and the buyers are all great chaps and ladies...hehehehe....

[Oceanklassik]

Whilst the idea is good, what happens if the deal turns sour. you can bet, abuse will be hurled about in the threads, etc etc.

This is inevitable. Like you've mentioned in your later post, "things like this always happen. even sale threads can become a slinging match sometimes.". So how? Don't sell/buy things online?

I feel that as long as the organizer (of the group purchase) states his/her terms properly and be transparent about it, then the rest is fated. I don't foresee any loss, monetarily. Except maybe, loss of sleep because you can't get what you want timely (it happened to me before).. .

[pegasi]

Talking about monetory loss...there might also be an issue of trust in such group purchase. Unless the organiser knows every buyers, he is likely to want to protect himself by collecting a partial pre-payment before placing the bulk order. So the buyers must trust the organiser...no issue I guess if we are talking cheap items but if the amount is big...

[Oceanklassik]

Oh definitely. I will put it the other way round, ie the buyers must (also) trust the organizer. The organizer can and should return the deposits, if the purchase did not go through due to unforeseen circumstances. A deposit will also be to ensure that the buyer(s) do not back out and refuse to pay up when the goods purchased, had arrived. So it works both ways.

[seiko.citizen]

This is inevitable. Like you've mentioned in your later post, "things like this always happen. even sale threads can become a slinging match sometimes.". So how? Don't sell/buy things online?

I feel that as long as the organizer (of the group purchase) states his/her terms properly and be transparent about it, then the rest is fated. I don't foresee any loss, monetarily. Except maybe, loss of sleep because you can't get what you want timely (it happened to me before).. .

like all things, we have to take with a pinch of salt. how much money can you save? and is the potential hassle worth it?

on the other hand, for those who do large MO's then different story. why? simple, because it will not be cost effective for everyone to order on their own.

as mentioned, buyer and seller need to have trust in each other for it to work. buyer to commit to deliver, and seller commit to purchase.

[Oceanklassik]

True, so maybe we try few times see how. Will anyone like to start.. ?

[daywalker88]

True, so maybe we try few times see how. Will anyone like to start.. ?

Hmmm...maybe should start with something not sooo expensive...say a special edition G-Shock

[Oceanklassik]

Group buy for watches is a little too challenging, at least for me.. . Maybe you'll like to start.. ?